We trust God on Independence Day

As we celebrate the independence of our Nation on Wednesday of next week, we are surely aware of all the forces that tend to destroy the very foundations of our freedoms.

They are not only the "enemies" outside, but within as well. Anything that weakens trust and integrity contributes to the lessening of those things that keep us strong.

As with most things, there is a tension that helps to keep us from falling into the belief that all we do is perfect. We see that with children and parents; husbands and wives; employees and employers; citizens and government; and Church and State.

In the Christian tradition, we hear the words of Jesus who said, "Give to Caesar the things that belong to Caesar, and to God the things that belong to God." That's a good tension because we are always called to accountability - to question what are the things that belong to Caesar, and what are the things that belong to God. Although many of the people came here early on in our history for the express purpose of finding religious freedom, we still haven't quite figured out just what that means.

So on our coins we have "In God we Trust;" chaplains are paid by the government to open each session of the Senate and House with prayer, and yet there is quibbling over the words "under God" Allegiance. The tension is there and as long as we have the right to debate, to disagree or agree, the possibility of finding right answers is always present. That, I believe is one of the characteristics that makes our Nation strong, and keeps us from buckling under such an assault as occurred on September 11, 2001.

May we celebrate not only a Happy Fourth of July, but a Grateful Fourth of July as well!